King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 8:12 Mean?

2 Samuel 8:12 in the King James Version says “Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadeze...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.”

2 Samuel 8:12 · KJV

Context

10

Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass: salute: Heb. ask him of peace had wars: Heb. was a man of wars with brought: Heb. in his hand were

11

Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued;

12

Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

13

And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men. smiting: Heb. his smiting

14

And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Military Victories, emphasizing God granting victory and expansion. David's military campaigns demonstrate God's promise-keeping (Genesis 15:18-21) regarding territorial boundaries. The Hebrew emphasizes that "the LORD gave David victory wherever he went," attributing success to divine enablement rather than mere military prowess. Theological themes include God's sovereignty over nations, the legitimacy of defensive/offensive warfare under certain circumstances, and proper use of conquered wealth for God's purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 8 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding God granting victory and expansion provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of God granting victory and expansion?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
מֵֽאֲרָ֤ם1 of 12

“Of Syria”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

וּמִמּוֹאָב֙2 of 12

“and of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

בֶּן3 of 12

“and of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּ֔וֹן4 of 12

“of Ammon”

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

וּמִפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים5 of 12

“and of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וּמֵֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק6 of 12

“and of Amalek”

H6002

amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country

וּמִשְּׁלַ֛ל7 of 12

“and of the spoil”

H7998

booty

הֲדַדְעֶ֥זֶר8 of 12

“of Hadadezer”

H1909

hadadezer, a syrian king, possibly a royal title

בֶּן9 of 12

“and of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

רְחֹ֖ב10 of 12

“of Rehob”

H7340

rechob, the name of a place in syria, also of a syrian and an israelite

מֶ֥לֶךְ11 of 12

“king”

H4428

a king

צוֹבָֽה׃12 of 12

“of Zobah”

H6678

zoba or zobah, a region of syria

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 8:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 8:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 10:142 Samuel 8:21 Chronicles 18:111 Samuel 30:202 Samuel 12:26-312 Samuel 10:11

Places in This Verse

AmalekRegion · Modern: Ain el Qudeirat · 30.65°N, 34.42°E28 verses across 8 books
AmmonRegion · Modern: Amman · 31.95°N, 35.93°E106 verses across 19 books
EdomRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E111 verses across 21 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
PhilistiaRegion · Modern: Tel Ashkelon · 31.66°N, 34.55°E22 verses across 14 books
ZobahRegion · Modern: Brital · 33.94°N, 36.15°E14 verses across 5 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 8 →

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